Working at Heights Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)


People often ask, "Can I have a Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for Working at Heights?" "A document that covers everything?"  The answer is not really. Well, you could create a document that covers most areas of Working at Heights, but it would be hundreds of pages long and would contain more items that did not apply to your project, than items that did. 

Are you working on a roof or off a scaffold? In an elevated work platform or on a ladder?  

The obvious hazard when working at heights is, "Falling from Heights".  There are countless ways to control the risk of falling from heights. The way to control this risk will vary from job to job when taking into consideration what it is that you are doing, and all of the variables of the environment.



 

There is a big risk of falling from heights when working off ladders
Edge protection is a good way to help prevent people and objects from falling from heights
Falling objects is a big hazard when working at heights.

Good housekeeping practices are the most effective way of preventing small objects from falling.  You can control this hazard so many different ways for example:

  • All tools can be tethered with lanyards and secured to prevent falling
  • You can ensure the work area is encapsulated so no items can fall past the barrier
  • You can ensure work area fully covered to prevent any objects falling through grid mesh or gaps to lower levels
  • You can set up exclusion zones and barricade the area below and around
  • In demolition you can plan the order in which the items should be removed to avoid remaining items becoming unstable and falling
  • Having kick boards and mesh panels in place


 


A Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) needs to document step by step how you are going to do a particular job. Not all jobs are the same! Are you going to paint a flagpole from a boom lift, or install roof sheeting on a multi-story building?

Creating a site specific SMWS is easy using the JSEAsy safety software. Once created you can print a report generated from the JSEAsy Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) software.

Download an example of a Full Report

Download an example of a Simplified Report

The steps in undertaking each of these tasks are very different. Not only are the steps different, but the potential hazards and the hazard control measures are very different as well.

The JSEAsy software builds your site-specific SWMS for Working at Heights by adding templates of the steps you are going to take, in the order in which you are going to take them.

The JSEAsy software comes preloaded with hundreds of templates (job steps) to build your site-specific SWMS with. Not just the part about working at heights, but all of your job steps from start to finish.

 

Working at heights from a boom has a multitude of risks associated with it. You must as far as reasonably practicable control these
Working at heights on a Static Line SWMS are included

The software also includes Safe Operating Procedures (SOP). The JSEAsy Premium software is your total WHS management system.

At the bottom of the page there are examples of templates you may insert into your site-specific SWMS for the task you are doing at heights, as well as the equipment you may be using to access the work at heights.

When you insert a template, it automatically brings with it:

  1. The main process step
  2. The sub process steps associated in undertaking the task
    1. The potential hazards associated with undertaking the task (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    2. The Risk Rating for undertaking the task (You can also change this if you want to)
    3. The Hazard Control measure (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    4. The revised risk rating after applying the control (You can also change this if you want to)
    5. Any required PPE (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    6. Any applicable licences or qualifications required (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    7. Any preoperational inspections required (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    8. Any applicable legislation or codes of practice (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)

 


Hundreds of templates included - 1 low price - Exceptional value!

The majority of trades will need to work at heights at some stage. When you buy or rent the JSEAsy safety software, not only to get all of the templates specifically for working at heights, but you also get all of the templates for all of the other trades as well. 

 

 

 

Working at heights Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

What are the hazards when working at heights?

When working at heights, there are several hazards that individuals should be aware of to ensure their safety. Here are some common hazards associated with working at heights:

1. Falls: Falls are the most significant hazard when working at heights. Whether it's from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or elevated platforms, falling can result in severe injuries or even fatalities.

2. Unprotected edges: Open edges, such as roofs or balconies, without proper guardrails or barriers pose a significant risk. Workers can accidentally step or fall off the edge, leading to injuries.

3. Unstable surfaces: Working on unstable surfaces like ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms that are not properly secured can cause slips, trips, or falls.

4. Falling objects: Tools, equipment, or materials that are not properly secured can fall from heights, posing a risk to workers below. This hazard can cause severe head injuries or other bodily harm.

5. Weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds, heavy rain, or icy surfaces, can make working at heights even more dangerous. Slippery surfaces and reduced visibility can increase the risk of accidents.

6. Inadequate training and supervision: Lack of proper training and supervision can contribute to accidents when working at heights. Workers should be adequately trained in using fall protection equipment, understanding safety protocols, and recognizing potential hazards.

7. Equipment failure: Defective or improperly maintained equipment, such as harnesses, ladders, or scaffolding, can fail and lead to accidents or falls.

8. Electrical hazards: Working at heights near overhead power lines or exposed electrical sources increases the risk of electric shock or electrocution if proper precautions are not taken.

To minimize these hazards, employers and workers should prioritize safety measures such as conducting thorough risk assessments, providing proper safety equipment (such as harnesses, guardrails, and personal protective equipment), ensuring regular equipment inspections, providing adequate training, and implementing effective communication and emergency response procedures.

When you buy or rent JSEAsy you have access to all of the latest version SWMS templates, for all trades and industries.

Download the JSEAsy latest version SWMS template register.

This is a register sorted by industry type and industry specific of all of the SWMS templates included in the latest version of the JSEAsy Safety Management Software


These are some of the templates you may want to insert into your site-specific SWMS for working at heights

 No.

 Work Description

 Cost

1
Access ceiling space via Ladder
Included
2
Access roof via fixed access ladder
Included
3
Access roof via Ladder
Included
4
Access Roof via scaffold stair access
Included
5
Access roof via Scissor Lift
Included
6
Access work area Using a platform ladder
Included
7
Access Work area via scaffold
Included
8
Climb Tree
Included
9
Climb Tree to lop branches
Included
10
Creating Roof Penetrations
Included
11
Dismantling of Pallet Racking
Included
12
Erection and use of a steel tube scaffold
Included
13
Erection and use of aluminium tube scaffold
Included
14
Erection and use of mobile scaffold
Included
15
Felling of tree using Climbing Technique
Included
16
Fix fibre cement soffit/ eaves sheet in place and nail by hand
Included
17
Form and Flash Roof Penetrations
Included
18
Gain acces to work are using Rope Access
Included
19
Install ceiling registers
Included
20
Install horizontal racking beams from a scissor lift
Included
21
Install Mounting brackets and rails to roof
Included
22
Install Safety Anchors to an existing roof (Timber from above and below)
Included
23
Install solar panels onto the mounting frame
Included
24
Install suspended ceiling grid
Included
25
Install Temporary Edge Protection
Included
26
Install timber roof trusses by hand
Included
27
Installation of Air-Cell Insulation
Included
28
Installation of Anchorpoints to existing roof
Included
29
Installation of Cable Tray Covers
Included
30
Installation of cantilevered K-Stage Modular Steel Scaffold
Included
31
Installation of catenary cable
Included
32
Installation of concealed clip roof decking
Included
33
Installation of Downpipes
Included
34
Installation of Eaves Gutters
Included
35
Installation of eaves linings to new domestic residence
Included
36
Installation of fascia cladding - From a scaffold
Included
37
Installation of fascia cladding - From a scissor lift
Included
38
Installation of floor joist
Included
39
Installation of insulation to roof
Included
40
Installation of K-Stage Modular Steel Scaffold
Included
41
Installation of metal Fascia
Included
42
Installation of Metal Fascias from ladder
Included
43
Installation of Pallet Racking
Included
44
Installation of Pallet Racking (complete job)
Included
45
Installation of Rain Water Head
Included
46
Installation of Roof Purlins - Using a Crane
Included
47
Installation of Roof Sheets – To Sprung Curved Roof
Included
48
Installation of roof vents
Included
49
Installation of Roof walkway
Included
50
Installation of Safety Mesh from Roof
Included
51
Installation of Safety Mesh to roof area - From EWP
Included
52
Installation of Safety Mesh to roof area - From Scaffold
Included
53
Installation of Safety Mesh to Roof From Roof and Scissor Lift on one side
Included
54
Installation of Soffit Sheeting - From EWP
Included
55
Installation of Soffit Sheeting - From Scaffold
Included
56
Installation of Static line system
Included
57
Installation of Static Shelving
Included
58
Installation of Steel Members - Using an EWP
Included
59
Installation of Steel Bracing Members - Using an EWP
Included
60
Installation of Steel Portal Roof Trusses by hand
Included
61
Installation of Steel Roof Purlins by hand
Included
62
Installation of Stock Picking Racking
Included
63
Installation of Support Mesh to walls - Using Scissor Lift
Included
64
Installation of Temporary Height Safety System - Starting from Platform Ladder
Included
65
Installation of Temporary Height Safety System - to Existing roof from Scaffold
Included
66
Installation of Temporary Height Safety System - to Existing roof from Scissor
Included
67
Installation of Temporary Height Safety System to new roof
Included
68
Installation of Temporary Static Line
Included
69
Installation of Timber Purlins
Included
70
Installation of vent ridge
Included
71
Installation of wall sheeting from Ground and Boom Lift
Included
72
Installation of wall sheeting from Ground and Scaffold
Included
73
Installation of wall sheeting from Ground and Scissor Lift
Included
74
Installing External Gutter
Included
75
Installing External/ Internal Downpipes
Included
76
Installing Rain Water Heads
Included
77
Installing Roof Sheets – To Flat Roof Area
Included
78
Installing Roof Sheets – to pitch roof area
Included
79
Installing Roof Sheets – to pitch roof area
Included
80
Lift Car Installation and Fit Out
Included
81
Lift Installation
Included
82
Lift Shaft Fitout
Included
83
Lift shaft rail installation into Masonry shaft
Included
84
Load materials into boom lift
Included
85
Loading Materials onto roof using an EWP
Included
86
Loading Roof Sheets or materials with Crane
Included
87
Measure Roofing using temporary Anchor Points
Included
88
Moving materials over the roof
Included
89
Painting of ceilings
Included
90
Passing up Roof Sheets and Accessories from the ground
Included
91
Passing up Roof Sheets and Accessories from the ground
Included
92
Passing up Sheets and Accessories from the ground
Included
93
Plumb Lift Shaft
Included
94
Put on Harness and set up ropes
Included
95
Removal and Replacement of gantry crane radio control unit
Included
96
Removal of Ceiling Sheets
Included
97
Removal of Existing (Flat Roof)- Roof Sheeting
Included
98
Removal of existing Blanket insulation
Included
99
Removal of existing Box Gutter
Included
100
Removal of existing ceiling flashings
Included
101
Removal of existing Ceiling Insulation from open roof
Included
102
Removal of existing Roof
Included
103
Removal of existing roof flashings
Included
104
Removal of existing roof tiles
Included
105
Removal of Existing RWH
Included
106
Removal of materials from roof area by hand - Using EWP
Included
107
Remove and reinstate dektites
Included
108
Remove and Reinstate Roof Screws
Included
109
Remove and reinstate Skylight sheeting
Included
110
Remove horizontal racking beams from a scissor lift
Included
111
Remove horizontal racking beams from ground
Included
112
Replace existing light fittings
Included
113
Re-Roofing
Included
114
Safety Check And Use Of Boom Lift
Included
115
Safety Check And Use Of Scissor Lift
Included
116
Set up trestle scaffold
Included
117
Srew fixing wall sheeting from platform ladder
Included
118
Tracing and identifying existing live lighting circuits - for fault purposes
Included
119
Using a Harness and Static Line
Included
120
Using an Existing roof anchorpoint system
Included